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Commonwealth read more
Takudzwa Nyamunda represented the UFS at the latest Commonwealth Futures Workshop where youth from across the globe convened to develop solutions for social issues.

Gender-based violence, global warming, and inequality are just some of the challenges faced by societies internationally. Examining this and other topics Takudzwa Nyamunda represented the University of the Free State (UFS) at the Commonwealth Futures workshop which convened at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Participants from 13 nations gathered from 11-14 March 2020 to discuss the future of the world.
 
Over the course of four days, student leaders explored ways of bringing peace and nonviolence to the challenging issues we are facing in the world, under the theme: Reimagining Peace. The workshop was organised by the DUT in collaboration with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the British Council. 

The voice of young people 
International forums such as the Commonwealth Futures workshop are to Nyamunda a prerequisite in these modern times. Nyamunda believes that global problems warrant global solutions. According to the Industrial Psychology Master’s student, young leaders have a crucial role to play in nation-building. 

“My experience proved to me that the differences that come out of our diversity are indeed a source of strength demonstrated by the rich insights that came out of the conference,” said Nyamunda who is also an employee of the UFS Department of Human Resources. 

Producing practical solutions
The three-tiered workshop aimed to bring change to campuses across the world, in communities and beyond. This was the third workshop in the series which has taken place in India and the UK. The outcomes will directly feed into the 2020 Commonwealth Youth Forum to be held in Kigali, Rwanda later this year.

The group of students worked together to develop tangible solutions that address shared global issues such as gender-based violence, climate change and inequality. Joining the young leaders were expert speakers and organisations including the International Centre of Nonviolence, the Gandhi Development Trust, as well as the Commonwealth Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Unit.

Global solutions for global problems
The Commonwealth states that with more than 60% of the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion people younger than 30, the voices of young people have never been more important. Students across the globe are setting new agendas for social debates, challenging communities and governments to listen and work with young people to develop solutions to these intersecting issues and bring about real change.

In joining forces with other young thought leaders from around the world, Nyamunda drew on his experience as an International Students Association Founder and first President, the former 2017 Student Representative Council (SRC) member for International Students, and the Vice-Chairperson of the South African Board for People Practices: UFS Chapter. 

As one of the 40 delegates from across the globe, Nyamunda was given a sense of hope after he witnessed how keen young people are to build a better future. 

News Archive

King Moshoeshoe comes alive on national television
2004-11-02

Honourable Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili, Prime Minister of Lesotho, and his wife; King Letsie III of Lesotho and Dr Ezekiel Moraka, Vice-Rector: Student Affairs at the UFS during the première of the film at the Royal Palace in Lesotho

The ground-breaking documentary film on the life and legacy of King Moshoeshoe, the founder of the Basotho nation, will come alive on Thursday 4 November 2004 when it is screened on SABC2 at 21:00

The film, called Moshoeshoe: The Renaissance King, forms part of a larger project by the University of the Free State (UFS) to honour the Moshoeshoe legacy of nation-building and reconciliation and to explore his role as a model of African leadership. It was produced by the well-known journalist Mr Max du Preez and commissioned by the UFS as part of its centenary celebrations.

The SABC2 screening was preceded by a première in Bloemfontein last month, and was attended by provincial political leaders.

This past weekend there was a première at the Royal Palace in Lesotho, which was attended by King Letsie III, the prime minister, the chief justice, judges, the president of the senate, cabinet ministers and directors-general.

“Through this documentary film the UFS commits itself to developing a shared appreciation of the history of this country and to the establishment of the Free State Province as a model of reconciliation and nation-building. King Moshoeshoe is also a strong common element, and binding factor, in the relationship between South Africa/the Free State, and its neighbour, Lesotho,” said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

“Not all people in South Africa know the history of Moshoeshoe. Many Basotho – but not all – are well versed in the history of Moshoeshoe, and his name is honoured in many a street, town and township. Many white people know little of him, or have a very constrained or even biased view of his role and legacy. In Africa and the world, he is much less known than, for instance, Shaka,” said Prof Fourie.

“King Moshoeshoe did a remarkable thing in forging a new nation out of a fragmented society. He also created a remarkable spirit of reconciliation and a remarkable spirit of leadership,” said Prof Fourie.

According to Prof Fourie we already benefit from his legacy: the people of the Free State share a tradition of moderation and reconciliation rather than one of aggression and domination. “For the UFS this is also part of real transformation – of creating a new unity amidst our diversity,” said Prof Fourie.

“We also find in the legacy of King Moshoeshoe the possibility of a “founding philosophy”, or “defining philosophy”, for the African renaissance. To develop this philosophy, we must gain a deeper understanding of what really happened there, of his role, of his leadership. Therefore the UFS will encourage and support further research into the history, politics and sociology of the Moshoeshoe period, including his leadership style,” said Prof Fourie.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
2 November 2004

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